R-CAT Window speeds EKG interpretation

When paramedics use piece of paper as baseline for looking at ST changes, they obscure half of each complex

Rapid identification of EKG rhythms and 12-lead changes can lead to better treatment, reduced critical errors and improved patient outcomes.

The R-CAT Window is a flexible, waterproof 3.25-by-6.75-inch plastic card with a reversible see-through baseline window. This innovative and inexpensive tool for speeding EKG interpretation can easily fit in your pocket.

The R-CAT can be used for both EKG rhythm strips and 12-lead EKG analyses. It helps you quickly evaluate heart rate, PR, QRS, QT intervals, significant Q-waves and heart blocks.

When paramedics use a piece of paper as a baseline for looking at ST changes, they obscure half of each complex. The R-CAT permits appreciation of the entire EKG.

The heart rate line feature can be placed on an R-wave so the R-R interval can be measured instantly. The R-CAT also has a time-in-seconds line for measuring cardiac intervals.

The calibrated red box tool feature measures PR, QRS and QT intervals. They can also help you quickly identify heart blocks. These measuring tools are much faster than calipers and more accurate than calculating using a piece of paper and a pencil.

About the author

Dan White, EMT-P works for Intersurgical, Inc. as the National Account Manager for EMS. Immediately prior he ran Arasan, LLC. He served as Sales & Marketing Director for Truphatek, Inc. and before that Director of Corporate Planning & Product Development for AllMed. He has been certified as a paramedic since 1978 and an EMS and ACLS instructor since 1981. Dan has designed many emergency medical products since his first, the White Pulmonary Resuscitator, including the Prolite Speedboad, Cook Needle Decompression Kit and RapTag Triage System. His more recent EMS product designs are the Arasan Ultra EMS Coat and the B2 Paramedic Helmet. To contact Dan, email dan.white@ems1.com.

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